GAL XLOKK Foundation

The GAL XLOKK Foundation is one of the Local Action Groups which have been chosen to implement the EU LEADER programme for Malta in the Xlokk territory. The aim of the Foundation is to help improve the quality of life and economic prosperity in the South-East rural areas in Malta. Seventeen (17) Rural localities fall under the Xlokk territory. These are situated along the south coast and extend from west to east and to the centre of the island. Although one can say that many planning issues are common to the whole island, the Xlokk territory has a number of specific features/ needs which need to be reflected into different targeted measures. These localities can be divided into:

- Coastal localities:

Qrendi,
Marsaskala,
Marsaxlokk,
Birżebbuga,
Żurrieq,
Kalkara
Xgħajra

- Inland localities:

Ħal Ghaxaq,
Ħal Qormi,
Gudja,
Ħal Kirkop,
Ħal Luqa,
Mqabba,
Żejtun,
Ħal Safi,
Santa Lucija,
Ħaż Żabbar

These seventeen localities are included in the National Statistics Office (NSO)’s Southern & Northern Harbour and South Eastern district classifications (majority of localities fall under this latter district). The localities making up these three districts are:

• Southern Harbour District – Ħaż Żabbar, Kalkara, Luqa, Santa Luċija, Xgħajra
• Northern Harbour District – Qormi
• South Eastern District – Żejtun, Birżebbuġa, Gudja, Ħal Għaxaq, Kirkop, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Mqabba, Qrendi, Ħal Safi, Żurrieq

The Xlokk localities represent a total population of 111,196 people (26% of total Malta population) and an area of c. 71km² (total Malta: 246km2). The territory supports important national infrastructures, such as the Malta International Airport, the Malta Freeport and many industrial estates such as the Bulebel, Ħal Far and Ħal Luqa Industrial estates.